Cost Vs. Maintenance: Answering Your Top 4 Questions about Vinyl Siding

Posted: Feb 13, 2013
Author: Crown Builders

Driving down a street in your typical North Carolina city you’ll notice that the exterior of most homes are decorated in vinyl siding, an inexpensive and durable option for adorning the exterior of your home.  But as common as vinyl siding is, many don’t know much about it – they just trust their contractors to put it up and often don’t give it a second thought.  Here are the basics of vinyl siding with the top 4 questions asked by those who’d like to know more.

What’s vinyl siding made of?

Vinyl siding has two layers; the top one is known as capstock and the bottom one called the substrate.  They both consist of polyvinyl chloride and resin, and the second layer typically contains limestone to lower the manufacturing costs.

How long does vinyl siding last?

In most environments, vinyl siding can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years and can typically withstand winds up to 110 MPH.

What sort of maintenance am I looking at with vinyl siding?

Not a lot, if any – it never needs to be painted and can be easily replaced if damaged.  Most homeowners rinse down the paneling with a hose about once a year.

How does the cost compare to other siding options?

Vinyl siding is generally the cheapest option out there for the exterior of your home.  Because it doesn’t need painting and can go up easily, initial installation costs are low.  Couple that with the low material cost of the vinyl siding itself and you’ve got a highly durable option for the low overall cost.